Sesaminol diglucoside, a water-soluble lignan from sesame seeds induces brown fat thermogenesis in mice.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is the site of non-shivering thermogenesis in mammals, wherein energy is
dissipated as heat. We observed that aqueous extract of black sesame seed triggers an increase in the
expression of Uncoupling Protein 1 (UCP1) in brown adipocytes from mice. The active component from
the extract was purified and identified to be sesaminol diglucoside (SDG). SDG treatment decreased mass
of white fat pads and serum glucose levels and increased UCP1 levels in BAT thereby protecting mice
against high fat induced weight gain. Further in silico and in vitro studies revealed that these effects are
due to the agonist like behaviour of SDG towards beta 3 adrenergic receptors (b3-AR). Together, our
results suggest that SDG induces BAT mediated thermogenesis through b3-AR and protects mice against
diet-induced obesity.